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* Kevil sets two plates of cheese, cold meat, and bread on the table with a flourish and a grin. "Lunch is served, my Lady!" He grins at Loria, then turns to retrieve a bottle of wine from cold storage. * Loria giggles, still frowning over a picture she'd hung in the dining room earlier. "I don't know... I'm still not entirely sure it looks all right." <Kevil> ::glances up at the picture as he removes the cork from the bottle:: I think it will look better - or perhaps worse, but more *decisive* - once we have a properly sized table for this room, d'va? <Loria> ::sighing, she moves over to the table and sits down:: You're probably right. It's hard to tell against so much... nothing. <Kevil> ::pouring the wine:: And the larder is near-empty - we should go to the market today or tomorrow, I think. <Loria> ::spreads some butter on a piece of bread, topping it with cold meat:: Probably. If we don't get some more bread, I might be forced to cook something. <Kevil> ::laughs softly:: Which reminds me, n'shava - I may have a candidate for housekeeper and cook. <Loria> ::nibbling on the end of her sandwich:: Oh? That's good. <Kevil> ::sips his wine, then pops a small piece of cheese into his mouth:: Mm. ::he chews and swallows, then looks up at her:: Would it bother you that she comes from Pleasure Island? <Loria> ::raises an eyebrow at him, putting her sandwich down:: <Loria> Is she... ::frowning:: unhappy in her current job? <Kevil> ::half-smiles:: Not a prostitute, but the daughter of one. She has stood as housekeeper and cook for her mother and sisters' interests for most of her life - and seen that her nieces and nephews came to the temple for learning, that they not be required to follow that path. <Kevil> Her mother died, some months ago, and without the madam's business skills, the house is... failing. The sisters will move to other houses, and Charity is out of a home. <Loria> Ah. ::thoughtfully, she takes a sip of her wine, considering:: How did you meet her? <Kevil> ::butters a slice of bread:: I am teaching her youngest nephew to read and write. ::he looks up at her:: At the temple, when I have time to spare, d'va? I had met her once or twice when she escorted the boy there and back. The boy mentioned the problem a week ago - one of his aunts had already left for richer pastures, and his mother is likely to depart within the month. <Loria> ::she looks out the window towards the herb garden, somewhat impressively overcome with weeds:: Do you think it will be all right? I've heard stories about... well, about the Islands. <Kevil> ::nods:: It is why I wished to speak to you first, n'shava. I think the lady would be relieved to leave the Island - and yet, having lived there her whole life, she will be neither shocked nor indiscreet of anything she witnesses here. But if the potential for scandal troubles you greatly, then I will not speak to her of the idea. <Loria> ::shaking her head:: I didn't mean it quite that way, Kevil... I... ::frowning a little:: I don't want to worry about counting the silver, you know? <Kevil> Ah. ::he smiles:: Well, I can not claim to know the lady so well as that. But she has given generously of her time to the temple, and fought to see that her sisters' children are raised with care and education that will allow them to escape their mothers' fates. It does not *seem* to me that she is the sort who might spurn a fair and honest wage. <Loria> ::nibbling on her sandwich again:: Is she a good cook? <Kevil> ::laughs:: I have not frequented the house; I do not know. But until the mother's death, the house was moderately successful, and I know she was the only cook. If she were a *poor* cook, I believe another would have been hired... ::he sips his wine, then cocks his head:: If you are not averse to the idea, perhaps we might have her come for an interview, or a trial? <Loria> ::thoughtfully:: Well, it might be nice to... you know, help someone out. Charity, huh? What a terrible, sad name. <Kevil> ::pulls a face and nods:: Perhaps she has a short-form she prefers. <Loria> ::laughs shortly:: After all, if Vallel hadn't done something nice for me, I wouldn't be here either... why don't you ask her. Have her come up and make dinner and we'll do an interview over dinner. <Kevil> ::nods:: I will speak to her soon, and arrange it. ::he reaches across the table to take Loria's hand:: Thank you, n'shava. <Loria> ::giving his hand a squeeze:: Hey, she's inevitably got to cook better than I do. <Kevil> ::laughs and kisses her fingers before releasing them and turning back to his lunch:: I shall make haste, then - lest we be doomed to a lifetime of cold lunches and burnt dinners... ::he winks at her:: <Loria> ::sticks her tongue out at him:: <Kevil> ::grins and pops another piece of cheese in his mouth:: * Lisl strolls down the street, a cloth-wrapped package under one arm, checking street numbers. At a huge house, she pauses, and stops to gape for a few moments. "Well, now." * Lisl admires the tall, graceful structure, pacing up and down the street a little to get a bit of perspective. With a smile, she finally heads up the front walk and raps smartly on the front door. * Kevil glances up, and over at the door, then looks back at Loria. "Did you hear a knock?" * Loria looks up. "Um... maybe you should go check?" * Lisl steps back a bit to double-check the house number. <Kevil> ::nods and puts his wineglass down, then walks quickly toward the main door.:: * Loria goes back to looking at the picture on the wall, still frowning. <Kevil> ::opening the door:: Lisl! ::he looks surprised, but happy to see her:: Come in! ::steps aside:: <Lisl> ::grins:: Thank you, Kevil. I was starting to wonder if I had the right house. It's so... big. Here-- I understand it's traditional. ::hands him the package under her arm:: <Kevil> ::takes the package:: Thank you. ::he grins:: After the enchantment and anti-magic shell this summer, many of those who had summer homes here were... anxious to sell. ::he gestures:: Come - Loria and I are having some lunch; would you care to join us? <Lisl> ::nods:: Certainly. Settling in, well? I kept expecting a call for a moving party, but none came... <Kevil> ::laughs, and leads the way back through to the dining room:: We had business in Khymrych, and we had only Loria's furniture to move in any case... When we have some more furniture and the house looks less barren, there may be a housewarming... <Kevil> ::entering the dining room:: N'shava, see who has come to visit! <Lisl> Business in Khymrych? ::raises her eyebrows:: Is the town still standing, maidens unravished? <Kevil> The town stands. But as Loria's elder brother and his friends are visiting, I make no claim for the maidens. ::he winks at Loria and resumes his seat at the table, waving at Lisl to take a chair:: <Lisl> ::grins and takes a chair:: Oh? Polla must be ecstatic. <Loria> ::smiling:: Oh, good afternoon, Lisl. ::gestures to the picture:: I'm still trying to decide on that picture. I like it, but I'm not sure it fits the room. <Kevil> ::holds up the package:: She brings us a housewarming gift, I believe... ::looks at Lisl:: Shall I open it, or save the opening for later? * Loria peers at the package curiously. <Lisl> ::shrugs her shoulder:: Up to you. If you open it in public, though, you might have to share. ::grins:: <Lisl> ::glances at the picture:: Well... I suppose it depends if you want to look at it when you're eating. ::shakes her head:: I'm not the art expert in the family, I'm afraid. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: I am intrigued. ::he pulls the cloth wrapping off to reveal an ancient wooden box, dust caked into the grain of the wood. He eyes Lisl briefly, then carefully lifts the lid:: * Loria looks on, curiously. * Lisl grins in anticipation. <Kevil> Ha! ::he grins, then carefully slides the box across the table to show Loria the *very* well-aged brandy within. He grins at Lisl:: Thank you. <Loria> ::blinks several times:: I'm impressed.... ::gives Lisl a sly look:: Do we have to share with *you*? <Lisl> Welcome. Mother says she laid it down for my coming-out around the time I was born. She just turned it up a year ago, so she brought it with her when she came to town. I figured someone might get some use out of it... I just hope it's not really good vinegar. <Lisl> ::grins:: Well, I wouldn't turn down a sip. But it's yours; have joy of it as you have joy of this house. * Kevil quickly stacks several slices of meat and cheese on a slice of bread, then slides the rest of his plate toward Lisl. "Here. Have some lunch." <Loria> ::smiling brightly at Lisl:: Thank you. <Kevil> ::Carrying his sandwich, Kevil gets up and disappears out a side door, returning with a wine glass, which he sets in front of Lisl. He picks up the open wine bottle and raises an eyebrow at her.:: Join us in a glass? <Lisl> ::smiles:: Thanks. ::assembling a sandwich from the contents on the plate, perhaps a bit heavier on the meat than the cheese:: Certainly. ::looking around the room with interest:: An older house... you *did* get a good deal. <Kevil> ::pours a glass of wine for Lisl, then sits and takes a bite of his sandwich:: * Loria absently dunks the corner of her bread in the mustard pot. <Lisl> ::toasts the couple with a smile, and takes a sip from her glass before biting into her sandwich:: So-- since you obviously survived Loria's family, I take it the wedding's on? <Kevil> ::makes a face at mention of Loria's family, but nods:: <Lisl> ::smiling slightly:: Did you like the statue? <Kevil> ::smirks and stifles a snort of laughter:: * Lisl grins. "I'll take that as a yes." <Kevil> ::getting himself mostly under control, he grins at Lisl:: I thought perhaps it was lacking something... chocolate sauce, maybe. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: And a frog. And horns. <Lisl> ::sly look:: I suppose they'd be ticked if we, ah, "updated" it... <Kevil> ::grins and nods:: I expect so. ::glances at Loria with a grin:: <Loria> ::shudders a little, the smiles:: Don't joke, Lisl, I'm still having nightmares about it... <Lisl> ::frowns, regarding Loria a little more seriously, her voice unexpectedly soft:: That bad...? <Loria> ::takes a deep breath:: It was pretty bad, yes. At first. <Lisl> They didn't... accept you? ::gesturing with her sandwich towards Loria's sunburst medallion:: <Kevil> ::gives Loria a sympathetic look, but waits for her to explain to Lisl:: <Loria> ::shakes her head:: The Blessed Mother paid a visit. Oh, you tell her, Kevil, I can't... ::she shudders all over:: * Lisl frowns at her sandwich for a moment, and takes a bite of it. <Lisl> ::looks from one to the other:: Nach...? But she was here...? <Lisl> Oh... OH. <Lisl> ::frowns:: <Kevil> ::reaches across the table to take Loria's hand, looking at Lisl:: Her father denied her. ::his face darkens:: And the... Blessed Mother threatened both their lives, as a lesson to each in their feelings for the other. <Loria> ::softly, looking at her hand interlocked with Kevil's:: I keep dreaming that I don't get there in time... <Kevil> ::quietly, to Loria:: She was *waiting* for you, n'shava... <Lisl> ::narrows her eyes:: Some lesson... <Loria> ::nodding:: I know that... but... ::touches her chest, just over her heart:: I was still more terrified then I've ever been before, <Kevil> ::makes a face at Lisl:: What She would have done if I had grasped the wit to interfere, I have no idea. Nor the consequences if either of them had failed the test... ::he shivers briefly and looks at Loria:: So was I, love. <Loria> ::her eyes brim with tears as she looks at Kevil:: Really? ::she wipes her eyes self-consciously:: Sorry, Lisl... <Kevil> ::smiles faintly:: I have never faced an angry goddess, n'shava - did you think I would remain calm of heart? <Lisl> ::shakes her head, her voice grim:: Gods never expect mortals to call their bluffs... after all, we're so transparent to them. ::her voice is faintly bitter, and she snorts:: That's why it's so important that Nach's friends ::touching her breastbone:: don't let her lose touch with her humanity. <Kevil> ::nods to Lisl:: I must speak with Lady Imp soon, now we are back. I... ::he glowers briefly:: I would like to know for certain that she had no hand in it. <Lisl> ::shakes her head slowly:: I just hope She ::pointing upward:: keeps listening to herself. ::jerks her thumb over her shoulder in the vague direction of Ellesmere:: * Loria looks faintly scandalized, touching her medallion. <Kevil> ::smiles briefly at Loria and squeezes her hand before releasing it to pick up his wine glass:: <Loria> ::laughing a bit uncomfortably:: I am *never* going to get used to that, I think... <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Loria:: You can have nightmares about it, but you won't hear a word of criticism against her? <Loria> ::shaking her head, coloring faintly:: You live in a different world than I... to you, She is a friend, someone to talk to, and perhaps argue with. I... don't feel that way about Her. <Lisl> Ah... ::nods:: Well, in a way, we're talking about two different people. ::grins:: And no "perhaps" about the arguing. <Kevil> ::chuckles, and sips his wine:: <Loria> ::standing up:: Would you like to see the house, Lisl? <Lisl> ::nods, finishing off her sandwich and dusting crumbs off her fingers onto her plate:: Sure. ::grinning and taking a sip of wine before she stands:: Will I need a map? <Kevil> ::laughs and stands, keeping his wineglass in his hand:: A native guide should be sufficient. <Lisl> ::laughs:: Oh, you were born in the cabbage patch out back, were you? <Kevil> ::chuckles and steps back, letting Loria lead the tour:: * Loria leads the way towards the music room, opening up the ballroom first, then shoving the partition doors open. * Lisl raises both eyebrows. "You'll be hosting the mayor's next ball here, then?" * Loria laughs. <Lisl> ::glances slyly at Kevil out of the corner of her eye:: Or is this going to be converted into closet space for Kevil's off-season wardrobe? * Loria crosses the room to sit down behind her harp, running her fingers over the instrument in soft cascades. <Kevil> ::chuckles, then sighs at Loria's playing, watching her with a sharp eye:: * Loria smiles, then, a strange expression crosses her face and she begins the opening of "Aylin's Rain", the ripple of the harp soft with the whisper of falling rain. * Lisl glances at Loria and wanders around the room, pausing to listen from several different spots, trying out the furniture. <Kevil> ::looks surprised, then closes his eyes to listen:: * Loria pauses near the middle of the song. "I'm sorry, Kevil, I forget the rest. But I thought the rain chords might sound nice on the harp." * Lisl glances at Kevil with a sad smile, and nods. "It's beautiful." <Kevil> ::takes a deep breath before he looks up at Loria, smiling sadly:: They do. I hope you will finish the conversion; the song is... more hopeful than mournful, on the harp. <Loria> ::patting her harp fondly:: I am glad to have it back... <Lisl> ::looking around at the airy space, the light streaming through the tall windows:: Are you certain it's the instrument, and not the room? <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: It may be the hand *on* the instrument, but it is not the room. ::he leans down to kiss the top of Loria's head:: You will teach me to use it, I hope. <Loria> ::slyly:: I don't know... if you learn to play all my instruments, what use will you have for me? ::she winks at him:: <Kevil> ::laughs:: We will think of something, I am sure... ::glances over at Lisl and grins:: Shall we continue the tour? <Lisl> ::chuckles and shakes her head at the two of them:: Sure. <Loria> ::opening the far door of the music room:: We have a few guest rooms here... we just moved beds in there recently. Kristo said he might come visit... ::shrugs doubtfully:: <Lisl> Kristo? ::frowns as she searches her memory:: The big hulking one? <Loria> ::nodding:: My brother... <Kevil> ::nods:: I hope he will. ::looks over at Lisl:: I have hopes that Loria may practice knifework with a more... agile opponent than Ironguard, d'va? His friend, Master Lotho, is quite skilled. <Lisl> ::grins:: My offer to practice knife is still open. I'll just have to dig up some armor. <Loria> ::wincing:: Well, I hope Lotho's more patient with my accidents than Master Bjorn. I thought he wasn't going to hold still and let me heal him, last time. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Let me guess... ::drops into a gruff, barking tone, dropping her head down between her shoulders:: "Leave it be, gel, barely a scratch!" * Loria laughs. "Well, he swore at me a little, too.." * Kevil rolls his eyes. "If it were not sworn that he was the best available for the mace..." <Loria> ::snickering:: I just have to figure out what all those words mean... <Lisl> ::grins:: Oh, he is. You just get the salty attitude to go with it. <Kevil> ::nods:: But Loria wished her brother to visit, and *I* wish her to practice the fight with a more nimble opponent, and *Kristo* wishes his sister to be as safe as may be. ::grins:: It seemed an excellent solution. * Loria opens one door to a small guest suite, the wallpaper a dark green watered silk. "I keep thinking I should treat Kristo to a dose of his own medicine and put him and Raven in separate rooms." <Lisl> ::looks from Kevil to Loria and back:: Why do I get the feeling that there's some byplay I'm missing here? <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: <Lisl> ::smiles at the colors of the room:: Ah, now this is nice... <Loria> ::shrugging:: Kris keeps trying to pretend like... oh, I don't know, like he's got some problem with my making decisions on my own. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Like your father? <Loria> ::snorts:: Not that bad... <Lisl> Ouch. So... just a bit over-protective, then? <Kevil> ::laughs:: He is only somewhat overprotective. ::he smiles at Loria:: He and I have... talked much of it out. He will come 'round. <Loria> ::leading the way into the other guest room, this one done in a creme and lemon:: <Lisl> ::grins at Kevil:: Ah, *I* see. He just doesn't like *you*. Well, I can see that. <Kevil> ::looks around appreciatively:: Master Finn wants this room. It will compliment his hair. ::grins:: <Kevil> ::laughs at Lisl's comment:: <Loria> ::flips her hair:: Everyone has this problem with Kevil's *age*. Like he's going to keel over and die tomorrow or something. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: I can see I'll have to meet this crew. There were just so many people at Val's wedding... <Lisl> ::glances at Kevil again, eye twinkling:: Well, that could be arranged. Tho'... you work him too hard, Loria, soft-liver that he is, and... <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: Nay - I should not like to prove Mistress Bess correct on any count. <Loria> ::snorts:: And this is our room... ::shows Lisl in, the huge room having several vases of roses spread around:: <Lisl> Bess? She's the... oldest? ::shakes her head:: My last visit to Khymrych was a little... hurried. The only one I got to know at all well was Loria, and maybe her little sister Polla, a bit.... <Loria> ::sticks her tongue out and crosses her eyes at the mention of her eldest sister:: <Loria> Bess... ::she sighs:: Bess needs a ladder to get over herself. <Lisl> ::laughs at Loria's face:: Oh, now *that's* a mature response... ::looks around the room slowly, taking note of the overflowing vases before looking at Kevil with a pointedly amused expression. * Kevil takes a deep breath as they enter the master bedroom, then goes to one of the vases and begins pulling the few wilted stems out. He nods at Lisl's question. "Bess is the oldest, and approves of neither me *nor* Loria. Next is Winsra, who worried that I was merely taking a trophy wife, after losing the first." He grins and moves on to the next vase. <Lisl> ::blinks:: Losing the first...? <Loria> ::Pepper, giving Lisl a flat, distrustful look, stretches on the bed, then stalks out of the room:: <Kevil> ::shrugs and grins:: I am *old*, you see - old enough to have been married, and perhaps even seen my first child wed. <Lisl> ::laughs out loud, stifling a sneeze and glancing in the direction of the retreating cat:: Old-- *you*? <Kevil> ::grins and weeds out another vase:: It seemed their primary objection to the match. * Loria pulls back the curtains, revealing a large glass double-door, leading out to the private gardens. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Didn't I see a half-elf on your brother's arm, Loria...? <Loria> ::making a face:: In truth, Kevil is closer to Da's age then mine... <Lisl> ::straight-faced:: So perhaps he should marry him instead...? <Kevil> ::laughs:: <Loria> ::snorts:: <Kevil> ::to Lisl:: And if you believe there were no fits thrown over the provenance of Kristo's bride, you may now believe otherwise. <Loria> But yes, Kristo's lady is Raven... ::waves her hand:: Something or other. <Loria> ::opening the door to the garden, she picks up a watering can and drizzles water into a small patch of bare ground surrounded by a ring of rocks. <Lisl> Heh. ::grinning:: Granted, I probably have a few years on her... but I imagine she's got years on *you*, Kevil. ::eyeing Kevil as he weeds the vases:: Are you sure you have *quite* enough roses, Kevil? You must've bought out every florist in the city! <Kevil> ::grins and points at Loria:: Her idea. <Kevil> And Lady Raven does not *appear* so old as I, and so it is only her pointed ears at which Master Rostell rolls his eyes. <Lisl> ::looks oddly at Loria, and blinks:: Hers? ::crosses the room to look over Loria's shoulder:: Please tell me you're not trying to summon faeries... <Loria> ::pouting:: Well, we did transplant some from home, but they won't bloom til summer. <Lisl> Home-- Khymrych? Or Alanis? <Kevil> ::smiles:: I am looking forward to seeing what sort of roses they are. <Kevil> ::to Lisl:: From Khymrych. I will retrieve cuttings from Alanis when we next go. <Loria> My home... ::smiling:: They're just little wild ones, Kevil... sort of dark pink mostly. <Lisl> Oh! Dog-roses. ::smiles:: I like those. There are some white ones, out in the woods by here, too. * Loria pats the small patch of bare earth, smiling encouragingly at it. "Would you like to see the atrium now?" Taking her watering can with her, she opens the atrium doors. <Lisl> Atrium... ::shakes her head a little:: You're either planning many guests or a *large* family... * Lisl follows after Loria, looking around appreciatively. * Loria pulls the lever to start the fountain. * Loria sits by the fountain, trailing her fingers in the water. Several brightly colored koi nose up to see if she's brought them food. <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows again:: Well, I see one of Pepper's selling points... <Loria> ::laughing:: No, he's generally not hungry enough to risk getting wet. * Loria takes a crust of bread from her pocket, leftover from lunch, and breaks it up over the water's surface. <Lisl> ::grins:: Ah, but he can watch, and pretend he's making them nervous... <Loria> ::a large, black koi surfaces lazily, taking several bread crumbs:: <Kevil> ::nods with a grin:: One of his favorite activities, indeed. * Lisl watches, starting to reach down to troll her fingers across the surface, but stopping just shy of the water and shaking her head. "Nah, too easy..." <Loria> ::mock-glowering:: You may not eat my fish. <Lisl> ::grins:: Yes'm. * Loria indicates the small windowed greenhouse to one side. "We're keeping the cuttings in there, until it's warm enough." <Lisl> ::nods, looking around:: And the horses, and the cows and sheep...? <Loria> ::rolling her eyes:: <Kevil> ::chuckles:: * Lisl grins. <Lisl> ::looks around for the stairs:: I saw a second story... and... another garden? * Loria climbs the stairs up to the small balcony. "This way." * Lisl follows Loria up the stairs, trailing her fingertips over the decorative moulding under the rail. * Kevil brings up the rear, stopping occasionally to look back down into the atrium. * Loria opens the door to the upstairs guest suite, decorated in mostly off-white with crimson accents. <Lisl> ::looking around appreciatively:: Oh, this is nice, too... ::grins:: I'll have to visit twice, so I can stay once in each room. <Loria> ::the bed, not yet assembled, is stacked in one corner:: We're still working on the decor... ::shudders:: <Kevil> ::chuckles, then eyes Loria:: If you follow through on your threat, this should be Lady Raven's room - as far as possible from Kristo's, d'va? ::his eyes twinkle merrily:: <Loria> ::laughs:: We may as well put them in the same room. Otherwise he'll just break something trying to sneak down the hall. <Lisl> ::grins:: She'd appreciate being near the garden, anyway. ::glances over her shoulder:: And it would be fairly simple to make those stairs defensible... <Kevil> ::grins and nods:: Then, this room for those two, and Master Lotho in the green? <Loria> ::putting her hands on her hips:: This is my *house*, Lisl, not a castle keep. <Kevil> ::quietly:: Besides, there are three sets of stairs. <Lisl> ::grins:: Where I live, there's little difference. ::reaches out a long arm to tap Loria's temple:: And I thought you were supposed to be in training. <Lisl> ::laughs at Kevil's comment:: * Loria sighs, then leads the way to the bookroom, indicating the roof-garden out the hall windows. <Lisl> Mm... looks like a library. ::grins and runs her finger over the surface of one of the empty shelves, rubbing it against her thumb thoughtfully:: You should get Gloss in here. They wouldn't stay empty for long... ::grins:: <Loria> I was sort of hoping she'd like this room... my books don't take up nearly this much room. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: It was my intent to at least ask her for the names of her favorite suppliers. <Lisl> ::laughs:: Might as well just get a list of all the booksellers in the city. <Kevil> ::grins:: It would be a start. * Loria swipes a finger over one shelf, frowning at the dust. "Ah well... just the garden left, really..." She crosses the hall and opens the large doorlike window, stepping out. <Lisl> Ahhhh.... ::steps out and smiles up at the sun:: Never mind the rooms, I'll stay here. <Lisl> Unless it's raining, of course. ::grins:: <Kevil> ::laughs:: Hedonist. <Loria> ::shaking her head:: I can't decide what to plant up here... ::she walks around, looking at the empty flowerbeds:: * Lisl grins, glancing around quickly before shifting to wolf-form and rolling in the sun-warmed soil, tail wagging. <Kevil> ::starts slightly when Lisl shifts, then grins and eyes her dubiously. He turns to Loria:: So much for dignity... * Lisl rolls onto her back and shifts back, tucking her hands behind her head and lying in the dirt, grinning up at Kevil. "Dignity? You must have me confused with a cat." <Kevil> ::laughs:: <Loria> ::giggles:: <Kevil> Not if you had seen Lord Pepper in the atrium this morning, I assure you. <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows, eyes alight:: Oh? Catch him in a compromising position, did you? Something involving water, I hope? <Kevil> ::chuckles:: No; merely sunning his belly, paws pointed skyward... <Lisl> Heh. ::lifts both legs in the air, bringing them down quickly and vaulting to her feet, brushing herself off briskly:: Something tall, Loria. And bright-- you should make it visible from below. Sunflowers, maybe? Phlox? * Loria whistles. "I wish I could do that." <Lisl> ::smiles:: I could teach you. But it takes practice. ::pats her stomach:: And a little muscle. <Kevil> ::grins, and turns to the flowerboxes:: I had seen vines with lovely purple flowers, and a scent to rival the best wine for headiness... Perhaps we might find some to plant along this border, to trail down the sides of the house? <Lisl> ::nods:: If you want to wildcraft a little, I can show you where to find some likely things... oh! Which reminds me... ::grins at Loria:: the pups' eyes are open. <Loria> ::her eyes light up:: Really? <Lisl> ::nods:: Just two days past. You could come see them, if you like. ::looks at Kevil:: You too, Kevil. Snowfeet said she'd allow two humans at once, with escort. <Kevil> ::looks pleased:: I would very much enjoy such an outing. <Loria> ::twisting her hands together, she looks up at Kevil hopefully:: Did you want to go? <Kevil> ::nods with a smile:: Yes. <Lisl> ::nods:: And I've spoken with the alphas... if you still wanted to try your spell, there will probably be volunteers for you. <Loria> ::smiling up at her:: Not yet, I think. They'll be happier where they are, and... well, I don't want to drag them away from home for several weeks before I'm ready to go out. ::shaking her head:: It wouldn't be fair of me to bring them here, they wouldn't like it. <Lisl> ::grins:: Well, *I* like the garden... but Pepper wouldn't be very happy, I'd wager. <Kevil> ::laughs and grins at Loria:: A wolf companion for you may very nearly persuade Lord Pepper to appreciate *me*. <Lisl> ::chuckles nastily:: <Loria> ::snorts:: I don't know... I think he likes you, most of the time. <Kevil> ::grins and switches to Alani:: {They said of me as a youth that I could charm the very stones from my path...} ::he winks:: <Loria> ::laughing:: {Oh, and like you can not, now, my beloved?} <Lisl> ::looks at Kevil suspiciously:: Something about stones...? <Kevil> ::chuckles:: A rumor left over from my hard-headed youth. ::he grins and puts an arm around Loria:: Shall we go see the pups, then? <Lisl> ::shakes her head, muttering:: I'm going to have to learn Alani in self-defense... <Loria> ::laughs, patting Lisl on the arm:: I'll trade you. You can teach me elven, or that muttery sounding thing that Brina keeps at while she's working. <Lisl> Muttery-sounding... ::blinks:: Oh, Uthgardt? ::grins at Kevil:: Well, if my accent's not too bad.... * Loria looks down a moment. "Let me change my shoes, if we're going out in the woods.: <Kevil> ::laughs, then grins back at Lisl, responding in broken Uthgardt:: {My gift high use, not dishonor.} <Lisl> ::nods to Loria, and cocks her head at Kevil:: "My gift high use, not dishonor"? * Loria hurries down the stairs to change quickly. <Lisl> ::grins:: What were you *trying* to say? <Kevil> ::winces at the translation, and strolls down the stairs more slowly:: Well, I am confined only to words I have heard and worked out meanings for... My meaning was: If it is my gift to learn a tongue, then I should use it to the fullest, and not dishonor it by allowing myself the easy path. <Lisl> Ah. ::smiles at him slyly:: Does that mean you don't want a translation for what you *wanted* to say? ::frowning a little:: Tho'... Uthgardt doesn't lend itself to... floweriness. Long-windedness, yes, but... not flowery. <Kevil> It is not to say your accent is *bad*, but that you have one. It is far easier - for me, at least - to learn a language with a native speaker's accent, than to learn it with a foreign one and then train the accent out later. <Kevil> ::nods and smile serenely:: Unlike elven, which is incapable of being either brief *or* utilitarian... ::he grins at her impishly:: <Lisl> ::grins, and snaps off a series off quick, sharp elven words, in a tone of command:: <Kevil> ::laughs:: <Lisl> ::grins:: Battle slang. Even elves can be brief, when it counts. <Kevil> ::nods:: But they must abbreviate and mangle the tongue for it, d'va? ::he grins, then cranes his head around toward the master bedroom:: Loria, what on earth are you *doing*, n'shava? How long can a pair of shoes take? * Loria comes out of the bedroom, wearing leather pants and a blousy white shirt, her hair tucked up into a simple ponytail. "Sorry, Kevil... I just didn't think a dress would be good out where there might be thorn bushes and stuff." <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Wellll.... let's just say it's not the sort of elven you'd want to use at a dinner, unless you wanted to be fed with the dogs. <Kevil> ::raises his eyebrow slightly at Loria's change of dress and eyes her appreciatively:: I see... ::he puts his arm around her shoulders:: Well, then... Shall we go? <Lisl> ::grins:: For you, I'd have avoided the prickers. ::grins wider:: Now Kevil I'd have led straight through them. <Kevil> ::sniffs:: I may not be woodswise, Huntress, but I do have eyes. * Lisl chuckles. * Lisl sobers a little. "Just remember, when we get out there... there's nothing to be afraid of. In fact, if you can manage it... *don't* be scared. Fear-stink is... ::thinks:: it's sort of... goading." <Loria> ::laughs:: I have a spell for that, if I need it... But I trust you. <Kevil> ::makes a face:: I will remember there is nothing to fear, but I have no spell to duplicate Zoya's Mask - and I would not keep it if I did. <Lisl> ::nods:: The pack might be... curious, and curious means touching. Noses, mostly. They've met humans before, but they're not entirely comfortable around them... and with the pups, they'll be wary. Just move deliberately, and be easy. You're my human pack, they won't offer you any harm. <Kevil> ::nods, then grins at Lisl:: Like Alanis, d'va? <Lisl> ::laughs out loud:: Kevil, I can *guarantee* that none of them will ask you for a run in the woods. <Loria> ::snickers:: Well, I *hope* not. <Lisl> Well... ::looking at the two of them:: It's a bit of a hike-- shall we go, then? <Loria> ::nodding:: I'm ready. <Kevil> ::laughs:: I meant touching, casually and in curiosity. ::he winks at Lisl:: Lovely though your pack-mates may be, Huntress, I fear I would be at a loss with such an invitation. <Kevil> ::nods:: Lead on... <Lisl> ::snorts:: It won't be *that* casually... a wolf that acted like an Alani would get himself bit *right* quick here.... ::shakes her head with a smile, and leads them northward out of the city:: * Lisl waves to the gate-guards as they exit the city, and leads Kevil and Loria deep into the woods. At one point, she pauses to tilt back her head and howl, listening for a response before leading them further. <Lisl> ::as they walk, the underbrush alongside shivers occasionally as if they're being shadowed by unseen forms. Lisl holds out her hand and a large, coal-black wolf with startlingly gold eyes breaks cover to trot up and nuzzle her fingers.:: * Loria draws her breath in, gazing in amazement. * Kevil looks at the wolf and grins faintly. <Lisl> ::when she looks back over her shoulder at her friends, Lisl's eyes are yellow, wolf-like:: This is... you would say, Nightrunner. ::grinning a little:: The pups' uncle. <Kevil> ::slowly and smoothly, Kevil bows to the wolf:: <Lisl> ::the black wolf cocks his head curiously at Kevil, pink tongue lolling out in a doggy grin. He makes a warbling noise, wagging his tail as he twitches an ear and looks up at Lisl:: * Loria blinks a few times, then holds her hand out, palm up, hesitantly. <Lisl> ::laughing:: He says, you must be the jaybird. ::scrubs her hands in the wolf's ruff, fondling his ears and making some warbling-barking noises back at him, that sound strange from a human throat:: * Loria laughs suddenly, squinting at Lisl. <Kevil> ::laughs:: Telling tales of me, Huntress? <Lisl> ::the black wolf pricks his ears and dances over to Loria, pausing a few feet away and creeping forward to sniff her hand hesitantly. He circles around her, and licks the back of her hand:: <Lisl> Always, Kevil. ::grinning:: <Kevil> ::chuckles, watching the wolf examine Loria:: * Loria squats, putting herself at eye level, her medallion glowing softly. "Good day to you." <Kevil> ...but "jaybird"??? I hope my voice is not so unpleasant as *that*. <Lisl> ::grins:: More for dress than voice. Jays are the showiest things *in* this forest. ::grins sidelong:: And they like bright and shiny things. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow at Lisl, half-smiling:: What "bright and shiny things" do I covet, pray? <Lisl> ::Nightrunner licks Loria's face, and barks:: * Loria giggles, then looks up at Lisl. <Lisl> ::grins:: Clothes. Instruments. Loria. <Lisl> ::smiles fondly:: See? He likes you. ::chuckles as Nightrunner circles around to Kevil, sniffling him industriously:: <Kevil> ::laughs softly, and holds out his hands for Nightrunner as his turn to be examined comes around, dropping to one knee to bring their heads closer to level:: <Lisl> ::Nightrunner takes advantage of Kevil's reduced height to snuffle his hair, turning his head to sneeze a little before licking Kevil's face as well:: <Kevil> ::grins and addresses the wolf:: Do I pass, my Lord? <Lisl> Heh... you pass, Kevil. Tho' I think Pepper's been sleeping on your pillow. * Loria covers her mouth with her hands, giggling. <Kevil> ::to Lisl:: No; Lord Pepper prefers to sleep directly upon my face, given the choice. ::he grins:: <Lisl> ::Nightrunner gives Kevil a doggy grin, putting his forepaws together and stretching his front half in a mockery of a bow:: <Kevil> ::laughs softly and bows again from his kneeling position before standing:: <Loria> ::nodding:: Very handsome... <Lisl> ::chuckling:: Ahhh, he's such a clown... C'mon, the den's just ahead. ::calls out, three high, sharp yips that are immediately answered by a similar chorus from nearby:: <Kevil> ::slides his arm around Loria:: Shall he come with us, do you think, n'shava? Think of it: I could dress all in black, and we might flank you - your protective shadows, matched in sable... ::he grins and follows Lisl carefully:: <Lisl> ::Nightrunner gallops ahead a few paces, looking over his shoulder and darting back to circle around Kevil and Loria before surging forward again:: <Lisl> ::glances over her shoulder with a grin:: Trust you, Kevil, to think of the fashion aspect of Loria's bodyguards... * Loria looks at the wolf, her eyes soft. "He's beautiful..." She hugs herself, then catches up, taking Kevil's hand. <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: Well... such beauty should not be left wasting, do you think? * Loria tilts her head curiously at Lisl. "Do you think you could teach me to speak wolf? Or is that not really possible?" * Lisl breaks into a sunlit clearing, sheltered over by a huge and ancient cedar tree. A gap in its roots has been dug out into a broad, dark hole, and about a dozen wolves stand, sit, and sprawl near the entrance. All of them watch the newcomers with attentive interest. <Lisl> ::looking at Loria and Kevil, dropping her voice slightly:: It would be... difficult. The vocals aren't really suited for a human throat, and they're only half the language anyway. * Loria glances up at the tree, then, wide-eyed, around at the wolves. * Lisl sits on the ground, smiling as two wolves bound over the tree roots towards her and lick her face enthusiastically, flipping over onto their backs and baring their throats to her. She bends over and playfully bites at their throats, rubbing their stomachs. * Kevil watches, smiling faintly. * Loria sinks down to the forest floor, sitting down with a thump, her eyes still wide. <Lisl> ::several wolves approach Loria and Kevil, slowly, hesitantly, circling around them. They touch noses with each other, appearing to consult, and two pace forward to extend their noses towards the couple, sniffing curiously:: * Kevil kneels again, behind Loria, his hands on her shoulders. When the wolf duo approaches, he extends one hand for sniffing, but leaves the other on Loria's shoulder. <Lisl> ::Nightrunner, the black wolf that met them on the way, pokes his shaggy head into the dark hole in the cedar roots and, with a wriggle, disappears inside of it:: * Loria smiles up at Kevil, her face full of wonder, then looks back at the wolves. <Kevil> ::quietly, in a carefully-modulated voice:: They are magnificent, are they not, n'shava? * Loria cocks her head to look at one wolf. "Good afternoon..." <Lisl> ::The first wolf touches her nose to first Kevil's extended hand, then Loria's, cocking her black-masked silver head and making warbling noises in her throat. The other, a tall-shouldered tan-and-black male, circles behind them and tentatively sniffs Kevil's crotch:: * Loria turns her head the other way, smiling at the silver and black wolf. * Kevil twitches slightly, then relaxes. "Good day, my Lady; my Lord." <Lisl> ::sits up, grinning and breathing hard and shedding wolves, and makes a similar warble-and-yip in the back of her throat:: Loria, Kevil, meet Bark-eater and Bear. ::grinning a little:: Bear's the big nosy one behind you. Bark-eater's the... medicine woman, I suppose. * Loria touches her amulet, which bursts into light as her fingers reach it, then lightly extends her hand to Bark-eater. <Kevil> ::looks down in some surprise as Loria's amulet lights, then looks over at Bark-eater.:: <Lisl> ::Bark-eater takes a startled step back for a moment, looking over her shoulder at Lisl, and steps forward again, licking Loria's fingers:: * Kevil twitches again, then turns to look at Bear. "Please stop that, Lord Bear. It tickles." * Loria pets Bark-eater gingerly on the head, the light from her amulet dimming and fading out. <Lisl> ::Bear warbles in his throat, and steps back, cocking his head at Kevil and lolling his tongue out. Behind Lisl, a huge female, mostly silver with a frosting of black down her spine and large, pure-white feet, steps out of the den, nosing two small bundles of fluff in front of her.:: * Loria gasps, looking at the pups. "Oh, how precious!" <Kevil> ::still eyeing Bear:: Yes, my Lord, very funny, no doubt. I- ::turns at Loria's gasp:: Ah... * Lisl looks over her shoulder and smiles, getting up to rub the large female's ruff affectionately, and smile a bit shyly at Kevil and Loria. "This is Snowfeet, and her pups, Point-ear and... heh... Hedgehog." <Lisl> ::grins:: Pup nicknames change a lot... but hopefully Point-ear will keep her name. <Kevil> ::smiles unconsciously at the pups:: Adorable... ::he looks up at Snowfeet and nods to her solemnly:: Lady, we thank you for your trust. <Kevil> ::cocks his head at Lisl:: Why is that? * Loria bows her head to Snowfeet. "Good afternoon, Snowfeet." <Lisl> ::Snowfeet dips her head in response to their bows, like a queen acknowledging her subjects. She stands over the pups protectively, but noses them a little closer as the stumble about, blinking wide, blue eyes:: * Loria holds her hand out to the pups. "Cute!" <Kevil> ::looks down at Loria and grins:: <Lisl> ::smiles:: Point-ear is one of *my* names. She was named for me. ::scratches the white-fuzzed puppy affectionately, grinning as she gets her finger chewed:: <Kevil> ::eyes Lisl speculatively, then grins:: I see. <Lisl> ::the little brown male wanders in Loria's direction, bumping up against her hand and exploring it with his nose and tongue:: * Loria giggles, patting the fluffball affectionately. <Lisl> ::warbles a question to the mother wolf, who yips and tilts her head, scratching the ground:: Ah. Her mate's off getting dinner, that's why he's not here. <Lisl> ::Hedgehog curls up around Loria's hand like his namesake, gnawing at Loria's thumb contentedly:: * Kevil grins, watching Loria and the pup. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: They're waiting for dinner, alright... he's trying to nurse. <Loria> ::screwing up her eyebrow slightly, she makes a face:: Big boy... ::she coos over him, humming contentedly in the back of her throat:: <Kevil> ::chuckles softly, then almost unconsciously starts humming in counterpoint to Loria as he watches, entranced:: <Lisl> ::smiles fondly:: Yes, he is. ::stroking Snowfeet's coat:: Snowfeet's my great-umpty-ump-granddaughter... so they've got a bit of my blood in them. Don't worry, a bite won't mean anything from them. <Lisl> ::chuckles as the wolves prick their ears and cock their heads. Bark-eater points her muzzle skyward and warbles.:: <Kevil> ::looks around curiously:: The father? <Loria> ::shakes her head at this information a little. She stops humming as the wolves howl:: Does that mean they like it, or they don't? <Lisl> ::smiles:: They like it. ::glances at Bark-eater:: She thought you were trying to voice greeting. <Kevil> ::laughs:: Music can be language. * Loria grins, then tilts her head back, her voice raising in a tone almost, but not quite, similar to the warble. <Lisl> ::to Kevil:: As I said, off hunting. He likely won't be back for an hour or so yet. ::grinning:: Yes, the pack sings quite often. It's just a little... different. Excuse me just a moment, I want to catch up on the news... <Lisl> ::Bark-eater, encouraged, yips and howls again, long and drawn-out, rising at the end into something like a yelp:: * Kevil grins proudly at Loria, then leans forward to offer his fingers to Point-ear. * Loria cocks her head, listening, then tries again, her voice closer matching. She stops, blushing a little. "I'm not sure what I'm saying." * Lisl shifts to wolf form. Her coloring, while similar to Snowfeet's, is darker, her paws black. In size, she tops the other female head and shoulder. She turns to touch noses with the pups' mother, and dips her head to pick up Point-ear by the loose skin of her ruff, depositing her in Kevil's open hands. <Kevil> ::grins delightedly and shifts his position, putting the little bundle of fluff in his lap, petting her carefully:: * Lisl exchanges a rapid series of warbles, growls and yips with the female alpha, touching noses with her, wagging her tail, her ears expressive. <Lisl> ::Snowfeet responds similarly, circling Lisl, dipping her head beneath hers and licking her face:: <Lisl> ::Point-ear mewls happily in Kevil's hands, finally stretching, rolling over onto her back, and falling asleep with a little high-pitched snore:: * Kevil grins foolishly at the little pup, obviously smitten. * Lisl dips her head, biting Snowfeet's ruff lightly, and changes back to human form, a fond and somewhat maternal smile still on her face. "We should go soon, the pups tire easily at this age." * Loria cuddles Hedgehog in her arms, cradling him like a baby. <Lisl> ::Hedgehog licks Loria's fingers happily, snuggling into the curve of her elbow:: <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl, and nods down at the snoring pup in his lap:: So I see. ::he carefully scoops Point-ear up, and places her gently on the ground in front of Snowfeet.:: Thank you, my Lady. A treasure indeed. * Loria gives Hedgehog a quick kiss on the head, then rolls him gently onto the ground. <Lisl> ::Snowfeet dips her nose, sniffing her pup carefully. After a thorough inspection, she licks Kevil's hand.:: <Kevil> ::grins and carefully touches Snowfeet's ruff, then climbs slowly to his feet:: <Lisl> ::Lisl picks up Hedgehog by the ruff, rubbing her nose against his before placing him between Snowfeet's paws. Snowfeet snuffles him carefully, and steps forward to gravely lick Loria's hand.:: * Loria stands slowly, patting Snowfeet on the head gently. * Lisl gets to her feet, stroking the shaggy heads that push up under her hands. <Lisl> ::smiling at her friends:: So... ::looking at Kevil:: Jaybird... ::looking at Loria:: Bright-lady... ::grinning:: Shall we go? <Loria> ::nodding, her eyes soft:: Let's. ::she leans on Kevil's arm:: <Kevil> ::laughs softly and puts his arm around Loria:: Come, Bright-lady-mine... <Kevil> ::quietly, to Lisl:: Thank you for introducing us to your... kin. It was an honor to meet them. <Lisl> ::grins, and wades through a large puddle of wolves to exit the clearing:: The honor is mine. ::smiling:: I like bringing my two packs together. * Lisl beckons, giving the clearing a last look over her shoulder as she leads the couple back through the forest to Marsember. |
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